Corporate & Commercial
UAE entities and joint ventures for Australian businesses entering the market.
Corporate & Commercial lawyers in the UAEInternational clients · Australia
Supporting Australian clients with legal matters in the UAE
This page is for Australian companies and investors with UAE business, and for Australians living in the Emirates. Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Australian clients typically ask us about establishing a UAE presence, contracts with UAE clients, employment and relocation, property, and UAE wills. We coordinate with Australian advisers where a matter also involves Australian tax or estate planning, and meet in Dubai by appointment.
Australia and the UAE
Australian businesses in education, construction, engineering, mining services, agribusiness and professional services have a strong presence in the UAE, and several Australian universities operate campuses in Dubai. Direct flights link the major Australian cities with Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and many Australians build careers in the Emirates before returning home. Australians often find the common-law DIFC and ADGM frameworks familiar, but most employment, property and onshore commercial matters run under the UAE civil-law system, which has different rules on contracts, notice, and the language of court proceedings.
UAE legal services
How we assist clients from Australia
All practice areasEmployment & Workplace
Contracts, secondments and exits for Australians working in the UAE.
Employment & Workplace lawyers in the UAEReal Estate & Construction
Property purchases and leases for Australian buyers and investors.
Real Estate & Construction lawyers in the UAETypical matters
Common UAE legal matters for clients from Australia
An Australian education provider partnering in the UAE
An Australian training provider wants to deliver courses with a UAE partner. We review the partnership or franchise agreement, IP licensing, revenue sharing and exit terms, and identify the UAE approvals the partner will need.
A secondment that becomes local employment
An Australian engineer seconded to Dubai is offered a local contract. We compare the secondment terms with the UAE contract, explain end-of-service entitlements and notice, and highlight points to negotiate.
Buying off-plan in Dubai from Sydney
An Australian investor plans to buy an off-plan apartment without travelling. We review the sale agreement, payment plan and developer obligations, and prepare a power of attorney for registration steps.
These examples describe the kinds of questions clients raise. They are not case studies, and every matter depends on its own facts.
Working together
Working with Rahman & Company from Australia
- 01
Initial discussion
Tell us who you are, who else is involved and what you want to achieve. A short call or video meeting is usually enough to understand the matter and agree whether we can help.
- 02
Identifying the UAE legal issues
We identify which questions are governed by UAE law, which emirate, free zone or court is relevant, and where advice under the law of Australia may also be needed.
- 03
Document review and strategy
Once the scope and fees are agreed, we review the contracts, licences, title documents or correspondence and set out the options and the likely next steps.
- 04
Remote consultation where appropriate
Most discussions can take place by video call and email. Where a UAE step requires a signature, registration or attendance, we explain whether a power of attorney can be used and how it should be prepared.
- 05
Ongoing support and coordination
We keep you informed in writing, deal with UAE counterparties and authorities on your behalf where instructed, and coordinate with your advisers in Australia.
Australia is four to seven hours ahead of the UAE, depending on the state and season. Clients may be able to engage the firm remotely where this is legally and practically appropriate. Every engagement is subject to conflict, identity and compliance checks, and no particular outcome can be promised.
Where to find us
Our UAE offices
All officesHead office
Dubai
115, Al Moosa Building 5Al Ghubaiba
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Meetings at any office are by appointment. Rahman & Company does not have an office in Australia unless one is listed here.
Our lawyers
People who can help
Find a lawyer
Egypt · UAE · GCC · Europe
Moideen Rahman Kutty
International Corporate Law, Arbitration & Cross-Border Disputes
Languages: Arabic, English
View profile
Oman · Qatar · Egypt · Saudi Arabia
Dr. Fouz Mohammed
Cyber Law, AI, Real Estate & Dispute Resolution
Languages: Arabic (native), English (B1)
View profile
Cairo, Egypt
Simak Ahmad Rahman
Commercial Appeals, Arbitration & Corporate Transactions
Languages: Arabic, English (excellent), French (fair)
View profileProfiles describe each lawyer’s background as published on this website. Languages are listed as stated in their profiles.
Our knowledge & media
Insights for international clients
All insightsInsightYour next business move starts with the right questions.A practical discussion guide for founders and business owners considering a new venture, partnership or transaction.Read moreInsightClearer agreements. Stronger business relationships.A starting point for more useful conversations about expectations, responsibilities and change in commercial contracts.Read moreOnline event · 16 Mar 2027Property Investor Protection SeminarAn online seminar for international property investors on due diligence, developer disputes, delayed projects and managing investment risk in Dubai.Read more
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Will Australian contract templates work in the UAE?
Often with changes. Governing law, dispute resolution, language and termination provisions usually need to be adapted for UAE counterparties.
Can Australians buy property in the UAE?
Yes, in designated freehold areas.
Does an Australian will cover property in Dubai?
UAE assets are dealt with under UAE procedures. A UAE will can make things easier for your family, and it should be drafted so that it works alongside your Australian will rather than revoking it.
Can you advise on Australian law?
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Where advice on Australian law is required, separate advice from appropriately qualified counsel in Australia may be necessary.
Can the work be done remotely?
Yes. UAE mornings overlap with the Australian afternoon and evening.
Discuss your UAE legal requirements
If you are based in Australia or connected with it and need advice concerning a business, investment, property, dispute or other legal matter in the UAE, our team can help you understand the relevant legal considerations and next steps. Please do not send confidential documents until an engagement has been agreed.